Police are urging motorists not to present thieves with an easy target by leaving their vehicles unattended while de-icing during the current cold spell.

A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "Thankfully, incidents such as this are rare, but that doesn't mean drivers should take for granted that it won't happen to them.

"You never know who is watching when you are de-frosting your vehicle, so were possible please try and allow extra time to clear the ice from your car or van so that you can stay with it and not be rushing in and out of your home doing other bits.

"It may take a few minutes to do but this could save you a lot of time and money by preventing your vehicle from being stolen by an opportunistic thief."

Anyone who witnesses such a crime, or sees any suspicious activity near cars, should contact Humberside Police on 101.